Silicon airflow prosthetic device after laryngectomy: A clinical trial

Context: Tracheostoma stenosis is a common problem after laryngectomy. Stenosis of trachea stoma leads to respiratory complications. Preservation of stoma patency by implanting a silicon prosthetic device in tracheal stoma could affect the outcome in these situations. Aims: To evaluate tracheal stoma patency in postlarngectomy patients with the silicon prosthetic device. Settings and Design: This is a case series of seven patients who received the device. Materials and Methods: Seven adult patients American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade IV who had undergone laryngectomy for carcinoma larynx received a silicon airflow prosthetic device which was devised for each patient in the prosthodontic laboratory. All the patients were followed at 3 and 6 months to observe the efficiency and potency of device. Results: The average stoma size and average peak expiratory flow 25-75% in litres/sec at first patient visit, 3 and 6 months after receiving the device was 13.42 ± 0.71, 12.55 ± 0.82, 12.7 ± 0.92 mm and 3.08 ± 0.19, 3.10 ± 0.13, 2.89 ± 0.15 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The silicon airflow prosthetic device continued to maintain uninterrupted airflow and prevented tracheal stoma stenosis which encouraged us to place it for longer time after laryngectomy without any eventuality.